Overview of Renal Failure in Children

Overview of Renal Failure in Children

What is renal failure?

Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. There are 2 different types of renal failure — acute and chronic. Acute renal failure has a sudden onset and might be able to be reversed. Chronic renal failure progresses slowly over at least 3 months and can lead to permanent renal failure. The causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes of acute and chronic are different.

Conditions that may lead to acute or chronic renal failure may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Acute renal failure

Chronic renal failure

Decreased blood flow to the kidneys for a period of time. This may occur from blood loss, surgery, or shock.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome. Usually caused by an E. coli infection, kidney failure develops as a result of obstruction to the small functional structures and vessels inside the kidney.

Nephrotic syndrome. A condition that has several different causes. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by protein in the urine, low protein in the blood, high cholesterol levels, and tissue swelling.

Taking certain medications that may cause toxicity to the kidneys.

Polycystic kidney disease. A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis. A type of kidney disease that involves glomeruli. During glomerulonephritis, the glomeruli become inflamed and harm the kidney's ability to filter urine.

Cystinosis. An inherited disorder in which the amino acid cystine (a common protein-building compound) collects within specific cellular bodies of the kidney, known as lysosomes.

Any condition that may impair the flow of oxygen and blood to the kidneys, such as cardiac arrest.

What are the symptoms of renal failure?

The symptoms for acute and chronic renal failure may be different. The following are the most common symptoms of acute and chronic renal failure. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.

Bone scan. A nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints. It also findst bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation.

Renal ultrasound (also called sonography). A noninvasive test in which a transducer is passed over the kidney producing sound waves that bounce off the kidney. This sends a picture of the organ on a video screen. This test is used to determine the size and shape of the kidney, and to find a mass, kidney stone, cyst, or other obstruction or abnormalities.

Close monitoring of important electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium

Medications (to control blood pressure)

Specific diet requirements

In some cases, children may develop severe electrolyte disturbances and toxic levels of certain waste products normally eliminated by the kidneys. Children may also develop fluid overload. Dialysis may be indicated in these cases.

Treatment of chronic renal failure depends on the degree of kidney function that remains. Treatment may include:

Disclaimer:This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.